System and method for smart inventory capture

ABSTRACT

A smart inventory service provider system is provided. The system includes a network interface configured to communicate data over a network and a processing circuit. The processing circuit includes one or more processors coupled to non-transitory memory. The processing circuit is configured to receive inventory item data. Inventory item data is associated with an inventory item and is captured by a user computing device. The processing circuit is further configured to associate the inventory item data with a user account in a user inventory database, monitor an external computing system for a transaction offer related to the inventory item, and transmit the transaction offer to the user computing device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/492,560 entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SMART INVENTORY CAPTURE,”filed May 1, 2017, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods thatallow a user to capture and manage inventory items in a smart inventorysystem.

BACKGROUND

Although users today commonly purchase goods via methods that result inan electronic receipt of the purchase, maintaining a centralized recordof all of a user's purchased goods is difficult. For example, userswishing to purchase insurance for the contents of a home are oftenrequired to estimate the cost of each item of value and reach a total bysumming the estimates. In addition, users in possession of items oflimited useful lifespan (e.g., baby clothes and furniture, weddingsupplies) must determine what they own and sort through the items todetermine which have an estimated value high enough to offset the hassleof manually listing the items for sale and/or for donation. Further,tracking and maintaining warranties for various items can also be atedious process which could result in the misplacement of warranties.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a smart inventoryservice provider system. The system includes a network interfaceconfigured to communicate data over a network and a processing circuit.The processing circuit includes one or more processors coupled tonon-transitory memory. The processing circuit is configured to receiveinventory item data. Inventory item data is associated with an inventoryitem and is captured by a user computing device. The processing circuitis further configured to associate the inventory item data with a useraccount in a user inventory database, monitor an external computingsystem for a transaction offer related to the inventory item, andtransmit the transaction offer to the user computing device.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to acomputer-implemented method performed by a smart inventory serviceprovider computing system. The method includes receiving inventory itemdata. The inventory item data is associated with an inventory item andis captured by a user computing device. The method further includesassociating the inventory item data with a user account in a userinventory database, monitoring an external computing system for atransaction offer related to the inventory item, and transmitting thetransaction offer to the user computing device.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to acomputer-implemented method performed by a smart inventory clientapplication of a user computing system. The method includes capturinginventory item data that is associated with an inventory item andtransmitting the inventory item data to a smart inventory serviceprovider computing system. The method further includes receiving atransaction offer related to the inventory item from the smart inventoryservice provider computing system and transmitting a transaction offeracceptance to the smart inventory service provider computing system.

These and other features, together with the organization and manner ofoperation thereof, will become apparent from the following detaileddescription when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in theaccompanying drawings and the description below. Other features,aspects, and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from thedescription, the drawings, and the claims, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a computer-implemented smart inventorycapture and management system, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a process for capturing and managing asmart inventory of items using the system shown in FIG. 1, according toan example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is another schematic diagram of a process for capturing andmanaging a smart inventory of items using the system shown in FIG. 1,according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a smart inventory client applicationuser interface, according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to the figures, various systems, methods, andapparatuses related to a smart inventory system structured to assistusers in creating and managing an inventory of items are described.

Beneficially, such systems promote optimized inventory identification byoperating in an ongoing, real-time, and proactive fashion. Inventoryinformation is transmitted in a selective manner based on detection ofsuch inventory items in a particular location (e.g., user's home,business) such that marketplace, insurance, warranty, and other relatedinformation is kept up-to-date in real-time with only relevantinformation captured. Thus, users will become less inundated withirrelevant information while using the system. In addition, inventoryinformation may be captured in a more time-relevant manner for a usersuch that a user is notified of changing values and changing inventorynumbers as the changes are occurring. As such, the systems, methods, andapparatuses of the present disclosure may also reduce the memory andbandwidth requirements in tracking inventory information. Because of theaforementioned real-time reactionary behavior, the systems mayselectively provide alerts and/or update inventory information insteadof providing constant and numerous irrelevant alerts, which in turn mayreduce data transfer requirements. Additionally, the systems, method,and apparatuses of the present disclosure may be configured to beoperated at least partly on a mobile device application, therebyrequiring less storage for identification of inventory information andupdates. Thus, the need for large amounts of data storage on servers atan inventory computing system may be reduced.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a smart inventory system 100is shown, according to an example embodiment. The smart inventory system100 includes a mobile device 110, inventory items 120, a smart inventoryservice provider computing system 130, a marketplace computing system150, and a third party computing system 160. Various components of thesmart inventory system 100 communicate with one another over a network170. The network 170 is a data exchange medium, which may includewireless networks (e.g., cellular networks, Bluetooth®, WiFi, Zigbee®),wired networks (e.g., Ethernet, DSL, cable, fiber-based), or acombination thereof. In some arrangements, the network 170 includes theinternet.

The user computing device 110 is a computing device associated with auser and configured to communicate with the smart inventory serviceprovider computing system 130 via the network 170 to exchangeinformation. The user may be any entity capable of owning or interactingwith inventory items 120. The user may include both individuals andorganizations. Inventory items 120 may include any physical article. Invarious arrangements, the inventory items 120 may include appliances,furniture, clothing, home goods, electronic devices, physical media(e.g., books, LPs, Blu-rays), sporting equipment, musical instruments,tools, toys and the like. If the user is an organization (e.g., abusiness), the inventory items 120 may include any merchandise capableof being included in an inventory (e.g., stock list). In variousarrangements, the user or entity associated with the user holds or isotherwise associated with an account at the smart inventory serviceprovider computing system 130.

The user computing device 110 includes any type of computing device thatmay be used to communicate information both to and from the smartinventory service provider computing system 130. In some arrangements,the user utilizes the user computing device 110 to engage in inventorycreation and management transactions. When referred to herein,“transactions” can include any means of changing the ownership of aninventory item (e.g., selling the item, trading the item, donating theitem) or changing the status of the inventory item (e.g., purchasinginsurance for the item, upgrading the item, transporting the item). Theuser computing device 110 includes any wearable or non-wearable device.Wearable devices refer to any type of device that an individual wearsincluding, but not limited to, a watch (e.g., smart watch), glasses(e.g., eye glasses, sunglasses, smart glasses), bracelet (e.g., a smartbracelet), a virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) headset,etc. The user computing device 110 also includes any type of mobiledevice including, but not limited to, a phone (e.g., smart phone, etc.),tablet, personal digital assistant, and/or computing devices (e.g.,desktop computer, laptop computer, personal digital assistant).

In the example embodiment shown, the user computing device 110 includesa network interface 112 enabling the user computing device 110 toexchange information over the network 170, a smart inventory clientapplication 116, and a user input/output (I/O) device 114. The user I/Odevice 114 includes hardware and associated logics configured to enablethe user computing device 110 to exchange information with the user, thesmart inventory service provider computing system 130, the marketplacecomputing system 150, and the third party computing system 160, as willbe described in greater detail below. An input device or component ofthe user I/O device 114 allows the user to provide information to theuser computing device 110, and may include, for example, a mechanicalkeyboard, a touchscreen, a microphone, a camera, a fingerprint scanner,any user input device engageable with the user computing device 110 viaa universal serial bus (USB) cable, serial cable, Ethernet cable, and soon. An output device or component of the user I/O device 114 allows theuser to receive information from the user computing device 110, and mayinclude, for example, a digital display, a speaker, illuminating icons,light emitting diodes (LEDs) and the like.

The smart inventory client application 116 is structured to assist theuser in smart inventory transactions. In this regard, the smartinventory client application 116 is communicably coupled to the smartinventory service provider computing system 130, the marketplacecomputing system 150, and the third party computing system 160. In someembodiments, the smart inventory client application 116 is a separatesoftware application implemented on the user computing device 110. Thesmart inventory client application 116 may be downloaded by the usercomputing device 110 prior to its usage, hard coded into the memory ofthe user computing device 110, or accessible as a web-based interfaceapplication such that the user accesses the smart inventory clientapplication 116 via a web browsing application. In this latter instance,the smart inventory client application 116 may be supported by aseparate computing system including one or more servers, processors,network interface circuits, etc., that transmit applications for use tothe user computing device 110. In certain embodiments, the smartinventory client application 116 includes an application programminginterface (API) and/or a software development kit (SDK) that facilitatesthe integration of other applications (e.g., a mobile bankingapplication or a mobile wallet application). Irrespective of the formthat the smart inventory client application 116 takes, the smartinventory client application 116 is structured to provide displays tothe user computing device 110 that assist the user in the management ofthe inventory items 120. An example of a client application userinterface is described in further detail below with reference to FIG. 3.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the smart inventory service providercomputing system 130 is a computing system associated with a smartinventory service provider. In various arrangements, the smart inventoryservice provider computing system 130 is associated with a financialinstitution, a software company, a consortium, or any other organizationthat manages inventory items. The smart inventory service providercomputing system 130 includes a service provider network interface 132that enables the smart inventory service provider computing system 130to communicate data over the network 170 and between a smart inventoryprocessing circuit 134, a transaction analysis circuit 136, a userinventory database 138, a transaction database 140, and a trust scoredatabase 142.

The smart inventory processing circuit 134 consists of one or moreprocessors coupled to memory. Each processor may be implemented as oneor more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), fieldprogrammable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, orother suitable electronic processing components. The memory may be oneor more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage) forstoring data and/or computer code for completing and/or facilitating thevarious processes described herein. The memory may be or includenon-transient volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and non-transitorycomputer storage media. The memory may include database components,object code components, script components, or any other type ofinformation structure for supporting the various activities andinformation structures described herein. The memory is communicablycoupled to the processor and include computer code or instructions forexecuting one or more processes described herein.

In various arrangements, the smart inventory processing circuit 134 isconfigured to receive data related to the inventory items 120 andperform valuation functions related to the inventory items 120. In somearrangements, the smart inventory processing circuit 134 connects to anexternal computing system (e.g., the marketplace computing system 150,the third party computing system 160) via the network 170 to gatheradditional information required to assign market values to the inventoryitems 120. Knowing the value of one or more inventory items 120 mayprompt a user to retain or dispose of the inventory items 120. Forexample, if a user knows that a particular inventory item is valuable,but the user does not wish to keep the item, the user may donate theitem to a charity. Since the value of the item is known and accessiblevia the smart inventory service provider computing system 130, the usermay easily deduct the item's value when preparing income taxes.

The smart inventory processing circuit 134 is further configured toassociate and store inventory item data in a user inventory database138. The user inventory database 138 is a storage device structured toretrievably store user information relating to the various operationsdiscussed herein, and may include non-transient data storage mediums(e.g., local disc or flash-based hard drives, local network servers, andthe like) or remote data storage facilities (e.g., cloud servers). Theuser inventory database 138 includes personal user information (e.g.,names, addresses, phone numbers, and so on), identification information(e.g., driver's license numbers, standard biometric data, and so on),and user financial information (e.g., token information, accountnumbers, account balances, available credit, credit history, transactionhistories, and so on). In various arrangements, the user informationstored in the user inventory database 140 may be organized according toa user account number or other identifier.

In some arrangements, the inventory item data stored in the userinventory database 138 is organized according to the physical locationsof the inventory items 120. For example, a user may wish to store someinventory items in the user's home and other inventory items in astorage unit or some other non-residential location. By grouping theinventory items 120 according to each item's location, a user is able toeasily locate a desired item (e.g., a user can quickly determine thatinfrequently used ski equipment is in the user's storage unit, withouttime-consuming searching of the user's basement or garage). In somearrangements, the user inventory database 138 interfaces with othercomputing systems (e.g., a marketplace computing system 150 or a thirdparty computing system 160, described in further detail below) toestimate a total value of inventory items stored at each location. Forexample, the smart inventory service provider computing system 130 mayalert a user if the total value of inventory items stored remotely in astorage unit is significantly less than the cost of renting the storageunit itself.

The transaction analysis circuit 138 is configured to monitor externalcomputing systems (e.g., the marketplace computing system 150, the thirdparty computing system 160) for transaction offers, receive responses totransaction offers, and store information related to transactions in thetransaction database 140. The transaction analysis circuit 136 consistsof one or more processors coupled to memory. Each processor may beimplemented as one or more application specific integrated circuits(ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processingcomponents, or other suitable electronic processing components. Thememory may be one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, harddisk storage) for storing data and/or computer code for completingand/or facilitating the various processes described herein. The memorymay be or include non-transient volatile memory, non-volatile memory,and non-transitory computer storage media. The memory may includedatabase components, object code components, script components, or anyother type of information structure for supporting the variousactivities and information structures described herein. The memory iscommunicably coupled to the processor and include computer code orinstructions for executing one or more processes described herein.

In some arrangements, the transaction analysis circuit 138 is locatedwithin or is indivisible from the smart inventory processing circuit134. The transaction analysis circuit 138 is configured to monitorexternal computing systems (e.g., the marketplace computing system 150,the third party computing system 160) for transaction offers, receiveresponses to transaction offers, and store information related totransactions in the transaction database 140. In some arrangements,transaction offers include, but are not limited to, offers to sell,trade or donate the inventory item 120, offers to purchase insurance forthe inventory item 120, and offers to upgrade the inventory item 120.

The transaction database 140 is a storage device structured toretrievably store information pertaining to inventory item transactionsof various users, and may include non-transient data storage mediums(e.g., local disc or flash-based hard drives, local network servers, andthe like) or remote data storage facilities (e.g., cloud servers). Thetransaction database 140 may be organized according to certaintransaction characteristics. For example, each entry in the transactiondatabase may include information describing various aspects of atransaction such as the inventory item, the origin of the transactionoffer (e.g., the marketplace computing system 150, the third partycomputing system 160), the value of the transaction, and a category ofthe transaction.

In some arrangements, a business utilizes the transaction database 140to store business transaction data relating to inventory item data thatis stored in the user inventory database 138. Unlike a consumer user, abusiness user of the smart inventory system 100 may possess inventoriesof hundreds or thousands of identical inventory items 120. Employees ofthe business capture the inventory items 120 using a variety of methods(e.g., taking a picture of all of the inventory items stored in awarehouse, taking a picture of a single inventory item and manuallyinputting the total number of the item, scanning a bar code on a palletof items). Once stored in the user inventory database 138, thetransaction database 140 tracks the increases and decreases of theinventory items 120 due to sales and/or replenishment of the items. Insome arrangements, the transaction analysis circuit 136 analyzes thestock and notifies the user if the stock exceeds or falls below certainthresholds. For example, if the amount of a certain inventory item 120is steadily increasing due to replenishment of stock withoutcorresponding decreases due to sales, the transaction analysis circuit136 may transmit a notification to the user computing device 110suggesting that resupply of the inventory item 120 be slowed or ceased.

The marketplace computing system 150 is a computing system associatedwith a marketplace for inventory items. The marketplace is an electronicmeans for users to buy, sell, or trade their inventory items with otherusers. In various arrangements, users of the marketplace may include a“trust” score that indicates the relative security of completing atransaction with the user. For example, a high trust score may indicatethat a marketplace user is likely to complete a transaction involving aninventory item in a satisfactory manner. Conversely, a low trust scoremay indicate that the marketplace user is likely to complete atransaction involving an inventory item in a fraudulent orunsatisfactory manner. If a marketplace user's trust score falls below acertain threshold, the user's account may be temporarily or permanentlydeactivated on the marketplace. The trust score is based on a variety offactors, including biometric identifying data (e.g., fingerprint data,facial recognition data, voiceprint data, typing speed data), locationdata (e.g., location of a mobile device in relation to known Wi-Finetworks and Bluetooth devices), social media scores, credit scores,transaction feedback from other marketplace users, and seller ratings.

Each marketplace may also include a trust score. The marketplace trustscore indicates the relative security of completing a transaction on themarketplace, and is based on a variety of factors, including, but notlimited to, number of marketplace users, average trust score ofmarketplace user, number of transactions completed, and average value oftransaction completed. The marketplace trust score is retrievably storedin a trust score database 142 maintained by the smart inventory serviceprovider computing system 130. The trust score is stored upon the firstinteraction between a particular marketplace and the smart inventoryservice provider and can be updated periodically based on theinteraction between the smart inventory service provider computingsystem 130 and the marketplace computing system 150.

The third party computing system 160 is a computing system associatedwith any third party organization or entity that conductsnon-marketplace transactions with the user regarding the inventoryitems. In various arrangements, the third party computing system 160 mayinclude, but is not limited to, a computing system maintained by acharity accepting donations of inventory items, an insurance companyselling an insurance policy to cover the inventory items, a manufactureroffering a warranty for the inventory items, a recycling companyoffering to recycle the items, or a moving company offering to transportthe items. Similar to the users of the marketplace computing system 150,in some arrangements, the entities associated with the third partycomputing system 160 include a trust score.

In various arrangements, the third party computing system 160 is acomputing system owned or managed by the user. As one example, consumersare increasingly seeking to optimize their living spaces, as evidencedby the popularity of both “smart home” monitoring and control systems(e.g., smart thermostats, smart security systems, smart lightingsystems) and minimalist “tiny homes.” A third party computing system 160(e.g., smart home computing system) may be utilized to monitor the usageof an inventory item stored in the user inventory database 138. As usedherein, “usage” of an inventory item 120 may refer to the frequency thata user interacts with the inventory item (e.g., touching the item,moving the item) or the frequency that the inventory item 120 is poweredon (if applicable).

If the smart inventory service provider computing system 130 determinesthat the inventory item 120 is not in regular use according to datasupplied by the third party computing system 160, the smart inventoryservice provider computing system 130 may suggest that the user relocatethe inventory item 120 (e.g., by transmitting a message to be displayedon the user computing device 110 suggesting the user move the inventoryitem to a storage location or other remote location). Alternatively, thesmart inventory service provider computing system 130 may transmit amessage to the marketplace computing system 150 and/or the third partycomputing system 160 to solicit transaction offers to sell, recycle, ordonate the inventory item. Once the smart inventory service providercomputing system 130 receives one or more transaction offers, ittransmits a message to display the offers on the user computing device110. In still further arrangements, the smart inventory service providercomputing system 130 transmits a message to the marketplace computingsystem 150 and/or a third party computing system 160 to solicit reviews,tips, or instructions for the inventory item 120. For example, if theunderutilized inventory item 120 is a kitchen appliance, the smartinventory service provider system 130 may request recipes that requireuse of the kitchen appliance from the marketplace computing system 150and/or a third party computing system 160. Once received, the smartinventory service provider computing system 130 may transmit the recipesto be displayed on the user computing device 110.

In some arrangements, the third party computing system 160 is a computersystem configured to aid a user in designing and furnishing a home. Thesystem may utilize VR or AR techniques to permit a user to view a room(e.g., via a smart phone or headset device) and selectively add theuser's inventory items 120. For example, by retrieving data stored inthe user inventory database 138, a user is able to visualize what apiece of furniture would look like in a room before the furniture isphysically moved into the room. In some arrangements, the third partycomputing system 160 utilizes data stored in the user inventory database138 to suggest other furnishings or decorating ideas based on theinventory items 120 the user already owns.

Turning now to FIG. 2, a flow diagram of a method 200 for capturing andmanaging a smart inventory of items is shown, according to an exampleembodiment. In some arrangements, the method 200 is performed using thesmart inventory system 100 shown in FIG. 1. In particular, the method200 may be at least partially performed using the smart inventory clientapplication 116 of the user computing device 110. Captured data relatedto one or more inventory items 120 is received at 202. In somearrangements, the inventory item data is received by the smart inventoryclient application 116. For example, the user may use a mobile phone totake a picture of a recently purchased kitchen appliance. In variousarrangements, step 202 may include capturing inventory item data in theform of an item picture, an item manufacturer, an item color, an itemsize, an item category, and an item serial number. For example, a usermay take a picture of an article of clothing and manually enter certaindescriptors related to the clothing (e.g., size, manufacturer). In somearrangements, the user computing device 110 captures data related to theinventory items 120 via an augmented reality (AR) process. For example,a user wearing an AR headset may be required to simply look at theinventory items 120 in order to capture the inventory items 120 that theuser wishes to upload to the user's inventory.

In some arrangements, the inventory item data is stored by the smartinventory client application 116. Inventory item data is thentransmitted to the smart inventory service provider computing system 130at 204. Once the inventory item data is transmitted by the smartinventory client application 116 of the user computing device 110, thesmart inventory service provider computing system 130 processes theinventory item data and communicates with external computing systemsregarding transaction offers related to the inventory items 120. Furtherdetails are described below with reference to FIG. 3. A transactionoffer is received at 206. In some arrangements, the transaction offer isreceived at the smart inventory client application 116 from the smartinventory service provider computing system 130. In variousarrangements, the transaction offer may include, but is not limited to,an offer to sell, trade, donate, purchase a warranty, or purchaseinsurance for one or more inventory items 120.

The transaction offer is accepted at 208. In some arrangements, the useraccepts the transaction offer within the smart inventory clientapplication 116 (e.g., by clicking a link or button within the smartinventory client application user interface). Alternatively, the usermay deny or dismiss an offer the user does not wish to accept. In somearrangements, the smart inventory client application 116 includes userconfigurable settings related to transaction offers. For example, a usermay select a setting that notifies the user whenever the value of aninventory item 120 increases or decreases by a certain dollar amount orpercentage (e.g., if the inventory item 120 is a piece of celebritymemorabilia, and the price of the memorabilia on the marketplacesuddenly skyrockets due to the death of the celebrity, the user may wishto receive a notification from the smart inventory service providercomputing system 130). If the user accepts the transaction offer, amessage indicating the acceptance is transmitted at 210. In somearrangements, the message is transmitted by the smart inventory clientapplication 116 to the smart inventory service provider computing system130.

Turning now to FIG. 3, a flow diagram of a method 300 for managing asmart inventory of items is shown, according to an example embodiment.In some arrangements, the method 300 is performed using the smartinventory system 100 shown in FIG. 1. In particular, the method 300 maybe at least partially performed using the smart inventory processingcircuit 134 and the transaction analysis circuit 136 of the smartinventory service provider computing system 130. Inventory item data isreceived and associated with user account information at 302. In somearrangements, the inventory item data is received and associated by thesmart inventory processing circuit 134 of the smart inventory serviceprovider computing system 130. In various arrangements, this stepincludes associating the inventory item data with an electronic receiptstored in the user inventory database 138. This step enables a user toeasily access information related to a purchase. For example, a userviewing a past receipt is able to view a picture of the purchased itemand other descriptive information.

External computing systems (e.g., marketplace computing system 150,third party computing system 160) are monitored for transaction offersat 304. In some arrangements, monitoring of external computing systemsis performed by the transaction analysis circuit 136 of the smartinventory service provider computing system 130. Transaction offers maytake a variety of forms. For example, if the transaction offeroriginates from the marketplace computing system 150, the transactionoffer may be an opportunity to sell or trade the inventory item 120.Conversely, if the inventory item 120 is an article that is oftenpurchased in multiples (e.g., a plate from a matched china set) or withadded accessories (e.g., a kitchen stand mixer), the transaction offermay be an opportunity to buy identical or related items to the inventoryitem 120.

If the transaction offer originates from a third party computing system160, the offer may include an opportunity to donate, purchase insurance,or purchase or extend a warranty for the inventory item 120. Forexample, if the third party computing system 160 is an insurancecompany, the transaction offer may include a quote based on theestimated value of the inventory item 120. In some arrangements, thevalue of the inventory item 120 is estimated by the smart inventoryprocessing circuit 134 based on the value of similar items sold via themarketplace computing system 150. As another example, third partycomputing system 160 may be a moving company the user is consideringhiring to transport the inventory items 120. Based on certain inventoryitem data (e.g., the number of large and/or heavy items the user owns),the moving company may offer a quote for the moving job or an estimatefor the packing materials required. Once the user has accepted an offerfrom the moving company, the smart inventory service provider 130 maytransfer the inventory item data stored in the user inventory database138 to the moving company computing system such that movers can accessinformation about the inventory items 120 (e.g., coordinates of items,designated fragile items) via mobile computing devices to facilitate themoving process.

A message containing the transaction offer is transmitted at 306. Insome arrangements, the message is transmitted by the smart inventoryservice provider computing system 130 to the smart inventory clientapplication 116 of the user computing device 110. The smart inventoryservice provider computing system 130 then waits for the user to respondto the transaction offer. If the user accepts the offer (e.g., asdescribed above at 208 with reference to FIG. 2), a message indicatingthe acceptance is received at 308. In some arrangements, the messageindicating the acceptance is received by the smart inventory serviceprovider computing system 130 from the smart inventory clientapplication 116. A message indicating the transaction offer acceptanceis transmitted at 310. In some arrangements, the message indicating thetransaction offer acceptance is transmitted by the smart inventoryservice provider computing system 130. In various arrangements, themessage is transmitted to marketplace computing system 150 and/or thirdparty computing system 160 depending on the origin of the transactionoffer. Inventory item data is associated with transaction offer data ina transaction database at 312. In some arrangements, the transactionanalysis circuit 136 of the smart inventory service provider computingsystem 130 stores information related to the transaction and theassociated inventory item(s) 120 in the transaction database 140. Bystoring transaction information in the transaction database 140,information that is otherwise diffuse is easily accessible from acentral location. For example, a user preparing to file taxes is able toaccess a record of the user's donations to charity, including theestimated values of the items.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a user interface 400 is shown, according to anexample embodiment. While the interface 400 is shown to be presented tothe user via the user computing device 110 (e.g., a mobile device, atablet), it should be understood that a similar interface may also beaccessible to a user as a cloud service via any suitable internetbrowser. The interface 400 may be presented to the user during the smartinventory capture and management process described in methods 200 and300 above. In the example shown, the interface 400 includes a firstinventory item entry 402, a second inventory item entry 404, and a thirdinventory item entry 406. Each of the inventory item entries 402-406 maydescribe a separate inventory item 120 that was processed by smartinventory service provider computing system 130 in accordance with themethods described herein.

The second inventory item includes a notification 408. In variousembodiments, the notification 408 may indicate to the user that theinventory item requires attention or action (e.g., renewal of awarranty, payment of an insurance premium). Similarly, the thirdinventory item entry 406 includes a transaction indication 410 notifyingthe user that the corresponding inventory item 120 has a pendingtransaction offer. In some arrangements, transaction indication 410comprises a hyperlink and clicking on the hyperlink opens entry-specificwindow 412.

Entry-specific window 412 includes information for the user related tothe transaction offer. As shown, this information may include the valueof the transaction (i.e., $100) and the origin of the transaction offer(i.e., the marketplace computing system 150). In various arrangements,entry-specific window 412 includes a button or hyperlink to accept thetransaction offer, as described above at 208 with reference to FIG. 2.The entry-specific window 412 further includes an account selectionbutton 414. Upon the user selecting the account selection button 414,the user may be brought to an additional interface enabling the user toselect an account the user wishes to associate with the transaction. Forexample, if the user is selling an inventory item 120 via themarketplace computing system, the user may select a mobile walletaccount the user wishes to be credited by the transaction.Alternatively, if the user is purchasing insurance for an inventory item120, the user may select an existing account the user maintains with theinsurance company.

The embodiments described herein have been described with reference todrawings. The drawings illustrate certain details of specificembodiments that implement the systems, methods and programs describedherein. However, describing the embodiments with drawings should not beconstrued as imposing on the disclosure any limitations that may bepresent in the drawings.

It should be understood that no claim element herein is to be construedunder the provisions of 35 U. S. C. § 112(f), unless the element isexpressly recited using the phrase “means for.”

As used herein, the term “circuit” may include hardware structured toexecute the functions described herein. In some embodiments, eachrespective “circuit” may include machine-readable media for configuringthe hardware to execute the functions described herein. The circuit maybe embodied as one or more circuitry components including, but notlimited to, processing circuitry, network interfaces, peripheraldevices, input devices, output devices, sensors, etc. In someembodiments, a circuit may take the form of one or more analog circuits,electronic circuits (e.g., integrated circuits (IC), discrete circuits,system on a chip (SOCs) circuits, etc.), telecommunication circuits,hybrid circuits, and any other type of “circuit.” In this regard, the“circuit” may include any type of component for accomplishing orfacilitating achievement of the operations described herein. Forexample, a circuit as described herein may include one or moretransistors, logic gates (e.g., NAND, AND, NOR, OR, XOR, NOT, XNOR,etc.), resistors, multiplexers, registers, capacitors, inductors,diodes, wiring, and so on).

The “circuit” may also include one or more processors communicablycoupled to one or more memory or memory devices. In this regard, the oneor more processors may execute instructions stored in the memory or mayexecute instructions otherwise accessible to the one or more processors.In some embodiments, the one or more processors may be embodied invarious ways. The one or more processors may be constructed in a mannersufficient to perform at least the operations described herein. In someembodiments, the one or more processors may be shared by multiplecircuits (e.g., circuit A and circuit B may comprise or otherwise sharethe same processor which, in some example embodiments, may executeinstructions stored, or otherwise accessed, via different areas ofmemory). Alternatively or additionally, the one or more processors maybe structured to perform or otherwise execute certain operationsindependent of one or more co-processors. In other example embodiments,two or more processors may be coupled via a bus to enable independent,parallel, pipelined, or multi-threaded instruction execution. Eachprocessor may be implemented as one or more general-purpose processors,application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmablegate arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or other suitableelectronic data processing components structured to execute instructionsprovided by memory. The one or more processors may take the form of asingle core processor, multi-core processor (e.g., a dual coreprocessor, triple core processor, quad core processor, etc.),microprocessor, etc. In some embodiments, the one or more processors maybe external to the apparatus, for example the one or more processors maybe a remote processor (e.g., a cloud based processor). Alternatively oradditionally, the one or more processors may be internal and/or local tothe apparatus. In this regard, a given circuit or components thereof maybe disposed locally (e.g., as part of a local server, a local computingsystem, etc.) or remotely (e.g., as part of a remote server such as acloud based server). To that end, a “circuit” as described herein mayinclude components that are distributed across one or more locations.

An exemplary system for implementing the overall system or portions ofthe embodiments might include a general purpose computing computers inthe form of computers, including a processing unit, a system memory, anda system bus that couples various system components including the systemmemory to the processing unit. Each memory device may includenon-transient volatile storage media, non-volatile storage media,non-transitory storage media (e.g., one or more volatile and/ornon-volatile memories), etc. In some embodiments, the non-volatile mediamay take the form of ROM, flash memory (e.g., flash memory such as NAND,3D NAND, NOR, 3D NOR, etc.), EEPROM, MRAM, magnetic storage, hard discs,optical discs, etc. In other embodiments, the volatile storage media maytake the form of RAM, TRAM, ZRAM, etc. Combinations of the above arealso included within the scope of machine-readable media. In thisregard, machine-executable instructions comprise, for example,instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform acertain function or group of functions. Each respective memory devicemay be operable to maintain or otherwise store information relating tothe operations performed by one or more associated circuits, includingprocessor instructions and related data (e.g., database components,object code components, script components, etc.), in accordance with theexample embodiments described herein.

It should also be noted that the term “input devices,” as describedherein, may include any type of input device including, but not limitedto, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, joystick or other input devicesperforming a similar function. Comparatively, the term “output device,”as described herein, may include any type of output device including,but not limited to, a computer monitor, printer, facsimile machine, orother output devices performing a similar function.

Any foregoing references to currency or funds are intended to includefiat currencies, non-fiat currencies (e.g., precious metals), andmath-based currencies (often referred to as cryptocurrencies). Examplesof math-based currencies include Bitcoin, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and thelike.

It should be noted that although the diagrams herein may show a specificorder and composition of method steps, it is understood that the orderof these steps may differ from what is depicted. For example, two ormore steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence.Also, some method steps that are performed as discrete steps may becombined, steps being performed as a combined step may be separated intodiscrete steps, the sequence of certain processes may be reversed orotherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete processes may bealtered or varied. The order or sequence of any element or apparatus maybe varied or substituted according to alternative embodiments.Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included withinthe scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.Such variations will depend on the machine-readable media and hardwaresystems chosen and on designer choice. It is understood that all suchvariations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, softwareand web implementations of the present disclosure could be accomplishedwith standard programming techniques with rule based logic and otherlogic to accomplish the various database searching steps, correlationsteps, comparison steps and decision steps.

The foregoing description of embodiments has been presented for purposesof illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive orto limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed, and modificationsand variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may beacquired from this disclosure. The embodiments were chosen and describedin order to explain the principals of the disclosure and its practicalapplication to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the variousembodiments and with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. Other substitutions, modifications, changesand omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions andarrangement of the embodiments without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure as expressed in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A smart inventory service provider system,comprising: a network interface configured to communicate data over anetwork; and a processing circuit comprising one or more processorscoupled to non-transitory memory, wherein the processing circuit isconfigured to: receive inventory item data, wherein the inventory itemdata is associated with an inventory item and captured by a user mobiledevice; associate the inventory item data with a user account in a userinventory database; associate the inventory item with a physical storagelocation of the inventory item; monitor a frequency of usage of theinventory item; transmit a message to the user mobile device based onthe frequency of usage of the inventory item; monitor an externalcomputing system for a first transaction offer related to the inventoryitem; upon receiving the first transaction offer from the externalcomputing system, transmit the first transaction offer to the usermobile device; receive a selection of a value change threshold amountassociated with the first transaction offer for the inventory item fromthe user mobile device; monitor the external computing system toestimate a real-time value of the inventory item; determine that theestimated real-time value of the inventory item has changed by a valuechange amount that exceeds the value change threshold amount; and upondetermining that the estimated real-time value of the inventory item haschanged by the value change amount that exceeds the value changethreshold amount, transmit a second transaction offer to the user mobiledevice, wherein the second transaction offer is at least one of an offerto sell the inventory item, an offer to trade the inventory item, and anoffer to donate the inventory item.
 2. The smart inventory serviceprovider system of claim 1, wherein the inventory item data is at leastone of an item picture, an item manufacturer, an item color, an itemsize, an item category, and an item serial number.
 3. The smartinventory service provider system of claim 1, wherein the inventory itemis at least one of an appliances, a piece of furniture, an item ofclothing, an electronic device, a book, a CD, a DVD, a Blu-Ray disc, apiece of sporting equipment, a musical instrument, a tool, and a toy. 4.The smart inventory service provider system of claim 1, wherein theexternal computing system is at least one of a marketplace computingsystem, a charity computing system, an item manufacturer computingsystem, and an insurance provider computing system.
 5. The smartinventory service provider system of claim 1, wherein the processingcircuit is further configured to associate the inventory item data witha receipt stored in the user account.
 6. The smart inventory serviceprovider system of claim 1, wherein the user mobile device is a mobilephone.
 7. The smart inventory service provider system of claim 1,wherein the processing circuit is further configured to: receive atransaction acceptance from the user mobile device; and associate thesecond transaction offer with the inventory item data in a transactiondatabase.
 8. A computer-implemented method comprising: receiving, by asmart inventory service provider computing system, inventory item data,wherein the inventory item data is associated with an inventory item andcaptured by a user mobile device; associating, by the smart inventoryservice provider computing system, the inventory item data with a useraccount in a user inventory database; associating, by the smartinventory service provider computing system, the inventory item with aphysical storage location of the inventory item; monitoring, by thesmart inventory service provider computing system, a frequency of usageof the inventory item based on data supplied by a third party computingsystem; transmit, by the smart inventory service provider computingsystem, a message to the user mobile device based on the frequency ofusage of the inventory item; monitoring, by the smart inventory serviceprovider computing system, an external computing system for a firsttransaction offer related to the inventory item; upon receiving thefirst transaction offer from the external computing system,transmitting, by the smart inventory service provider computing system,the first transaction offer to the user mobile device; receiving, by thesmart inventory service provider computing system, a selection of avalue change threshold amount associated with the first transactionoffer for the inventory item from the user mobile device; monitoring, bythe smart inventory service provider computing system, the externalcomputing system to estimate a real-time value of the inventory item;determining, by the smart inventory service provider computing system,that the estimated real-time value of the inventory item has changed bya value change amount that exceeds the value change threshold amount;and upon determining that the estimated real-time value of the inventoryitem has changed by the value change amount that exceeds the valuechange threshold amount, transmitting, by the smart inventory serviceprovider computing system, a second transaction offer to the user mobiledevice, wherein the second transaction offer is at least one of an offerto sell the inventory item, an offer to trade the inventory item, and anoffer to donate the inventory item.
 9. The computer-implemented methodof claim 8, wherein the inventory item data is at least one of an itemcategory, an item manufacturer, an item color, an item size, an itempicture, and an item serial number.
 10. The computer-implemented methodof claim 8, wherein the inventory item is at least one of an appliances,a piece of furniture, an item of clothing, an electronic device, a book,a CD, a DVD, a Blu-Ray disc, a piece of sporting equipment, a musicalinstrument, a tool, and a toy.
 11. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 8, wherein the external computing system is at least one of amarketplace computing system, a charity computing system, an itemmanufacturer computing system, and an insurance provider computingsystem.
 12. The computer-implemented method of claim 8, wherein themethod further includes associating the inventory item data with areceipt stored in the user account.
 13. The computer-implemented methodof claim 8, wherein the user mobile device is a mobile phone.
 14. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 8, wherein the method furtherincludes: receiving, by the smart inventory service provider computersystem, a transaction acceptance from the user mobile device; andassociating, by the smart inventory service provider computer system,the second transaction offer with the inventory item data in atransaction database.
 15. A computer-implemented method comprising:capturing, by a smart inventory client application of a user mobiledevice, inventory item data, wherein the inventory item data isassociated with an inventory item and the inventory item is associatedwith a physical storage location of the inventory item; transmitting, bythe smart inventory client application of the user mobile device, theinventory item data to a smart inventory service provider computingsystem; receiving, by the smart inventory client application of the usermobile device, a message based on a frequency of usage of the inventoryitem from the smart inventory service provider computing system;monitoring, by the smart inventory service provider computing system, anexternal computing system for a first transaction offer related to theinventory item; receiving, by the smart inventory client application ofthe user mobile device, the first transaction offer related to theinventory item from the smart inventory service provider computingsystem; transmitting, by the smart inventory client application of theuser mobile device, a selection of a value change threshold amountassociated with the first transaction offer for the inventory item tothe smart inventory service provider computing system; monitoring, bythe smart inventory service provider computing system, the externalcomputing system to estimate a real-time value of the inventory item;determining, by the smart inventory service provider computing system,that the estimated real-time value of the inventory item has changed bya value change amount that exceeds the value change threshold amount;upon determining, by the smart inventory service provider computingsystem, that the estimated real-time value of the inventory item haschanged by the value change amount that exceeds the value changethreshold amount, receiving, by the smart inventory client applicationof the user mobile device, a second transaction offer from the smartinventory service provider computing system; and transmitting, by thesmart inventory client application of the user mobile device, atransaction offer acceptance to the smart inventory service providercomputing system, wherein the second transaction offer is at least oneof an offer to sell the inventory item, an offer to trade the inventoryitem, and an offer to donate the inventory item.
 16. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 15, wherein the inventory item datais at least one of an item category, an item manufacturer, an itemcolor, an item size, an item picture, and an item serial number.
 17. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 15, wherein the inventory item isat least one of an appliances, a piece of furniture, an item ofclothing, an electronic device, a book, a CD, a DVD, a Blu-Ray disc, apiece of sporting equipment, a musical instrument, a tool, and a toy.